Breakthrough in Dairy Cattle Genomics: Single-Cell Expression Atlas Unveiled

In a significant achievement, researchers from China Agricultural University, in collaboration with international and domestic institutions, have created a multi-tissue single-cell expression atlas for dairy cattle. This development, documented in Nature Genetics, elucidates genetic mechanisms underpinning essential traits and elevates precision breeding and human disease research.

Professor Sun Dongxiao from the College of Animal Science and Technology at China Agricultural University noted the limitations of traditional tissue-level gene expression research. "Employing single-cell RNA sequencing, the team analyzed 59 tissue types from Holstein cattle, identifying around 1.79 million high-quality cells and 131 distinct cell types across seven major lineages," he explained.

Excitingly, their work, integrating genome-wide association studies from 16,000 dairy cattle, revealed that excitatory neurons are crucial for milk fat yield and composition. Additionally, retinal amacrine and skeletal muscle cells were found to affect milk fatty acid profiles, offering new avenues for enhancing milk production.

The study also delved into the complexity of mammary epithelial cells, dividing them into eight subtypes, with some tightly linked to milk biosynthesis. Furthermore, it unveiled the cellular diversity within cattle's four stomach chambers, highlighting functional parallels with human gastric cells.

This research not only bridges gaps in bovine single-cell biology but also provides a foundation for genetic breeding and immunological studies in livestock. Sun stated, "Its technical framework can be a benchmark for exploring other livestock and poultry species."